More than 200 million eggs recalled in US salmonella scare

A US egg producer has recalled more than 200 million chicken eggs apparently contaminated with salmonella bacteria after hundreds of reported cases of illness, the FDA reported Wednesday.

The eggs were produced by Wright County Egg in Galt, Iowa, and sold around the country under 143 different brands, and are packed in boxes of six, 12 and 18 eggs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it had been investigating since late June. It found almost four times the usual rate of salmonella-related illness being reported, an FDA statement said.

Salmonella can cause intestinal infections and is transmitted by foods contaminated by animal fecal matter.

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